Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, Hearken {H8085} not unto the words {H1697} of the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} unto you: they make you vain {H1891}: they speak {H1696} a vision {H2377} of their own heart {H3820}, and not out of the mouth {H6310} of the LORD {H3068}.
ADONAI-Tzva'ot says: "Don't listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are making you act foolishly, telling you visions from their own minds and not from the mouth of ADONAI.
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Jehovah.
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Jeremiah 14:14
Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. -
Ezekiel 13:6
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made [others] to hope that they would confirm the word. -
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. -
Galatians 1:9
As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. -
Jeremiah 27:9
Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: -
Jeremiah 27:10
For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish. -
Ezekiel 13:3
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
Jeremiah 23:16 delivers a powerful and enduring warning from the LORD of hosts to His people regarding the dangers of false prophecy. In a time of spiritual decline and national crisis, many self-proclaimed prophets offered comforting but deceptive messages, leading the people astray from God's true will.
Context
This verse is part of a larger condemnation of false prophets in Jeremiah chapter 23. During Jeremiah's ministry, Judah was facing imminent judgment from Babylon, and the prophet tirelessly called for repentance. However, numerous false prophets contradicted Jeremiah's message, promising peace and prosperity even as destruction loomed. They often spoke what the people wanted to hear, rather than the difficult truth from God. This created a profound spiritual confusion, making it difficult for the people to discern between genuine divine revelation and human invention. The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme authority and power, underscoring the gravity of ignoring His true messengers.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "vision of their own heart" is crucial. It points to the internal origin of the false prophets' messages – their own thoughts, desires, or even deliberate fabrications – in stark contrast to "not out of the mouth of the LORD," which signifies genuine, divinely inspired revelation. The Hebrew word for "vision" (chazon) typically refers to a prophetic sight or message. By attributing it to "their own heart," Jeremiah exposes the fraudulent nature of their claims, indicating a lack of true divine encounter or commission.
Related Scriptures
The theme of false prophets and the need for discernment is prevalent throughout Scripture. For instance, Deuteronomy 13:1-5 provides early guidelines for testing prophets, while Deuteronomy 18:21-22 gives a practical test based on whether a prophet's words come to pass. In the New Testament, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matthew 7:15). The Apostle John urges believers to engage in the discernment of spirits, advising, "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God" (1 John 4:1).
Practical Application
Jeremiah 23:16 remains highly relevant today. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, believers must exercise careful discernment regarding spiritual teachings, advice, and prophecies. We are called to:
This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine spiritual authority rests solely with God, and true wisdom comes from His mouth, not from human invention.